I used to play truant a lot, which meant I didn’t do well in my GCSEs as I was supposed to. The day after my exams I went to see the doctor, and confessed that I was making myself sick and the depression was becoming overwhelming. I was referred to a youth service, but because I was 16 my mum would have to be told. I didn’t want her to know, so I didn’t go. I moved to supportive housing in Liverpool, but the problems continued.

I was at my lowest weight when I was 17, weighing just under 6 stone. By then, I was starving myself as well. I went through a delusional stage of what healthy eating was – I’d eat nothing but lean chicken and leaves for days, or chew on food and split it out – although I don’t think I ever got to the anorexia stage.

I went to the doctor’s again, but I wasn’t honest about the problem, so nothing was done. It was only after I moved to Worthing when I was 18 and went to the young people’s service Connexions that my life started to change. I was put on anti-depressants and began having counselling and getting involved in voluntary work. I started running a lot to relieve the tension. That encouraged me to eat more healthy, too.

I’m not bulimic any more – I haven’t made myself sick for at least two and a half years. There have been times in extreme circumstances where it’s crossed my mind, but I’ve done so many positive things with my life now that I can’t go back. Talking about it helps, and I hope by setting up this website it will encourage many more men to begin their road to recovery”

Sam Thomas, 22 (‘Men Get Eating Disorders Too’ Project Leader)